Aikuse Village Never Existed, Says Aruogba People

Abavo Kingsley

Aikuse had never been known to be a village in Benin Kingdom let alone having a land that was invaded, the Aruogba people have said.

Felix Iserhienrien and Madam Isere Agbongiaruoyi of Aikuse had in a published statement in the media claimed it was an autonomous village, alleging invasion of its land by Aruogba and Okhuoromi villages.

But in reaction, Elders of Aruogba village led by the Odionwere (Village Head), Pa Ewansiha Owieadolor told journalists weekend, that “Aikuse claim and allegation were frivolous, falsehood, and misleading.

“A mischievious act to cause unecessary stir, and draw sympathy to themselves after the Benin Monarch, Oba Ewuare II had reaffirmed the resolution of Oba Erediauwa that the claimed autonomous Aikuse village never existed in Benin Kingdom let alone having a land that was invaded,” they added.

Though, it was acknowledged that it once existed as Ago Aikuse (Aikuse camp) where they farmed, but that did not make them owner of the land.

“The Aikuses are members of a single family. In their agitation, they took Aruogba to the Palace of Oba of Benin where it was resolved that they never existed as an autonomous village but a farm camp and they were surjourners.
“But because they hitherto lived in the area, they should be given four plots of land; which they have sold to one Group Captain Agbonlahor.

“Hence it was shocking when they returned asking for more portion of land.
“A development which made us drag them before the Palace of the Oba Aruogba elders said.

“Again the matter was resolved in favour of Aruogba village that Aikuse never existed in Benin Kingdom.
“Having sold their only land given them according to the Monarch directive, they no longer have any that could have been invaded as alleged.

“Aruogba share common boundary with their neighbour; Okhuoromi village. Aikuse never existed as a village between them, Chief Obaretin Ogiemwonuyi (Obakhase of Benin) added.

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Kadiri Christopher

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